Is Church Membership Needed

Few people seem to agree with ALL that their church teaches so how important is membership? Is it better never to become an official member (just be a regular attendee) if you disagree with just one teaching of that church? Would it be hypocritical to become a member under those circumstances?

cluny, I do not get upset about your accusations of the church. I SAID Ive never heard anything such as you say in any church I have ever been to. I was going in the 50's too. my dad's best friend was a full blooded Cherokee indian. He looked like a black man. my dad and him would go to different churches in the 50's and were denied entry. this sweet man married me and my husband in 1957. my dad and him were good friends all thru life. oh I must tell you one more thing. my dad visited a black church and he was always welcome. that was in the 50's too. don't let one incident speak for all of us.

Whoever preached that racism was using tradition above scripture and ignoring Sola Scriptora which would prove that racism was wrong.

I am grateful that finally after allowing slavery and adding in racism against Jews for over 1,000 years that the Orthodox church who in Russia helped murder thousands of Jewish children decide racism was wrong.

I am sorry that many other churches took even longer to recognize that the Bible was correct and their traditions were wrong.

Cluny, you must have been to a doozy church. I've never been in a Church like you described. As a matter of fact, I have never heard about anyone else hearing such as you say cluny. I've been to many churches in the south and the northeast and I've never heard segregation even mentioned in any church I've visited.

Well, God bless you Cluny, I love the people and the food of the south. Wow! Wonderfull. Anyway, Shira4368All the mess going on here, sure would make a person "run" looking find a church. This is really almost unbelieveble, here. People are getting way off the track, here they prefer the ungodly instead of running away. I got my mind made up! Got to find one can't see being here, waste my time. I have talk to them but, on death ears it appears. Thankyou all for encourgement. Love of Jesus! Elena 9555

Cluny \\there is an abundance of churches where there is no spirit at all. They are as dead men's bones. \\ Your comment "Most of them are Baptist" gives the impression you have visited a large number of Baptist churches - have you?

Twice I've attended a Baptist church - firstly when I was in college 50 years ago and secondly for the last 2 years since I moved house.

I can honestly say that these 2 churches made me more welcome than ANY other churches I have ever visited or stayed 'for a season'.

The one I attend now is small but growing and so far removed from those words you would be shocked if you visited.

I truly feel God's presence when there (in a way I've never felt before). We speak as we find.

To Bro.Samuellb all respect you.and thanks,forgiveness opens up many doors,other wise may close.

Sis.Shira 4368 keep your lovely attitude,be brave the word of God is mighty powerfull you are really a good proof you can still.be strong, no.matter what you been.or going through.In short I too,shall.keep Darlene and others in.prayer.thankyou all.Love of Jesus!

//Our church has 28 Fundamental beliefs. We also have thousands of opinions about everything from different church members. //Another denomination has different fundamental belefs and opinions.The message of salvation is clear from God TODAY. Repitition in prayers, water baptisms, public confessions have nothing to do with salvation. Salvation rests upon the work of Christ on the cross on your behalf as they have been confessed by the divine inspiration of Paul.Stop trusting traditional displays and start trusting in the words of Gods grace towards you in Christ, the hope of glory (Rom 4:24-25, 1 Cor 15:1-4).

Cluny, you don't have a clue do you? I get it.... You was in such a church right? Well, maybe some walk the isle to "all to Jesus I surrender".it doesn't matter what song is being sung. I DID walk the isle when I was 14. I will also tell. You, there is an abundance of churches where there is no spirit at all. They are as dead men's bones. Some churches are rituals and they have a set time for one song, 2 songs and they have it down to the minute. When the Holy Spirit is present, there is no schedule if times.

Hello,Shira4368,yes,that pastor, rest in peace, his brother was a baptist preacher, he just hate the baptist! My friend, he been dead for years.You know there are folks in different church or religion, ain't nobody savedBut them.If a person really for God, you can't hate no one.

love of Jesus! We know ain't no where in the Bible blaspheme the baptist.

Elena, I don't know any God-called man say any such thing about baptist not being saved. There are saved in all denominations and some are saved with no denomination. After church I would have ask him to show me in the bible where his statement came from.

To Bro.Luke, all respect & a big AmenI know people, they want desperately, to leave but, afraid. I remember yrs.ago, at a church somebody said "write it all down, if it doesn't sound scriptural it best to go and in private ask exactly where or what was it exactly" I can remember a pastor in Chicago, but he would come up, weird stuff, once in a while and you could not get him to admit Or Change! Example : "The Baptist should not even be having a bible because they are not saved, unless they become apostolic!" He would "twist" things like that...Love of Jesus!

Sister Rita,I agree with many, micha gave very good passages. And I agree we should be showing love to everyone.I believe it is very important to know what the articles of faith are for the church. If we want to be members of that church, we should follow the members rules. If we are not happy there, we should leave. We don't have to make a big fight before we leave, we can just leave in a godly way and go some place else. I always write down what the pastor preaches. If I have some misunderstanding I ask the pastor and he always show us from Scripture what he is preaching. If he says something not correct, he wants us to bring it to his attention so he can correct what he said. Everyone makes mistakes, no one is perfect. Agape

//We agree to love and most try to get along. But JESUS calls us to love and get along even with those who are not correct.//

I agree with you.

What I get out of this blog question is, is it right to sign a document or pledge that one agrees with and belongs to said church? Many churches have such a system. Calvary Chapels tend to be more free in this regard.

I personally don't agree with pledging or signing some allegiance to a church.

//Agreed...what is the Biblical basis of "church membership?" and what is expected in it?//

In this dispensation, when we trust in the gospel 1 Cor 15:1-4 and are saved, we are placed into the body of Christ, which is the church (1 Cor 12:13, Col 1:24).Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Cor 12:27In this congregation of saints, Christ is the head and we are subject to him (Eph 5:23-32). The saved, are members of the church, the Body of Christ.Members of the church, the Body of Christ, have a special standing distinct from the other churches. We do not go to a temple to worship, we are the temple. 1 Cor 3:16

A few verses came to mind upon reading the posts:Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is], but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.Ephesians 4:11-16 And he gave some, apostles, and some, prophets, and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers, For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith...the fulness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine...From whom the whole body fitly joined together...Added from searching:Ecc 4:9-12, 2Co 8:4

Member ship in God's Church very important, denominations not so much The church is always the congregation of believing saints of God. In the Bible the church is never a building. The congregation, (the saints) can meet in a house, a garage, an office building, or a backyard and the group will still be Gods church. It is always a group of believers or saints. God's church has no unbelievers

Hello, much respect to all. I know that the years I spent esp.the last church, I was, glad to help out anyway I could. I never regret helping in the church, I am not perfect, no way but, I believe at that church in the end somehow, alot went wrong, I was beginning to become more sick with this cancer, nobody would even say

" hello" they became obcessed with politics,other things took priority and no prayer is just not good..15min.fir read the bible? Everybody was busy, busy...but they really left the Lord out of the church.I was kind, did the best I could..I still care about them.I believe I did the correct thing, move on..

"Tithing should be done by each person as the Scripture instructs. It is not mandatory to let others know how much one is paying."-Adetunji on 4/7/14 Why limit yourself to 10%?If you are tithing, you are letting others know how much you offer.The biblical tithe doesn't concern money anyways, so a marked envelope is irrelevant.Concerning the blog questions:Church membership is a commitment and a record.In the early church, they gathered daily. I'm sure there was a record of who was attending, at least for the sake of missing persons due to persecutions or for the sake of discipleship.

Rita_H: Thanks.I have misspelled others names before too.I would also not cherish paying tithe with marked envelope. Tithing should be done by each person as the Scripture instructs. It is not mandatory to let others know how much one is paying.But total immersion in water is the Biblical example of baptism. I have no problem with that, that was how i was baptized. Baptism is not a rite that gives automatic entry into paradise but for the earthly church it is an evidence that you have taken a necessary step of faith.

Absolutly important.Church membership is a committment of service and dedication to the success of that body of believers. Having a "regular attendee" mentality says what can this church do for me, I was guilty of this. Having a membership says what can I lay down my life for the success of this church. I disagree many times (not with doctrine but application) with my church about the direction we need to go. However, I see great fruit coming from my church and have a desire to see that fruit multiply so thus I am a member. Attendees have rights, members have responsiblities.

Hello, I beg to agree with Bro.Steveng, all respect to everyone.The diciples met in homes, Lidia in the Bible was one sister who open her home to Peter and other followers of the Master Jesus.They met(on the mount) open spaces Mathew15.Jesus gave the preaching.I think you say it like that in English.They had worship where ever they could I believe in Zacariah home..Out doors, even in caves..I believe.Love of Jesus!

Adetungi - thank you. I wasn't thinking, mainly, about anything sinister going on (except for the place which refused a viewing of their s. of f.). I was really meaning small things for instance to be a member of some churches one must be baptised by total immersion. Anyone going who hasn't been can attend but not be a member. Another might use numbered envelopes for offerings which identify the giver so some won't become members - and there are other examples.

These are not earth shatteringly important issues but are not what some will sign up to so they remain adherents rather than members.

The meaning of church today is quite different than in Jesus' time. In Jesus' time it only meant a body of believers assembling wherever two or more are gathered - a home, a park, a cafe.

Today it's a building just by the way it's used: "I didn't see you in church this morning," "Our church has great entertainment," "We have many programs at our church," "Our church has a great sound system," etc.

Satan is the creation of denominational churches. Satan has divided christiandom up into tens of thousands of denominational churches each having their own rituals, tradistions, ways of living, and interpretations of the bible.

Rita_H: Definitely, there are Christ centred congregations or assemblies available where their articles of faith contains nothing deceitful or ungodly. Start your search with a prayer, "Lord, please lead me to a congregation wherein You will that I should worship and serve You". The Lord will answer and you will have no doubts about being a member there.

Hello, Sis.RitaH.all respect that'was what I was try to say exactly, your english is perfect. not knocking those who abide agree with be a member, I just know from two church's and yes' I was there years and my late husband who was not a good pastor had in his charter things that he did not let members know.He made sure I could not sneak and tell them.I was very young and afraid of him.He actually was a mason, some secret organization.He explained very little. I had no idea about this sort of thing.I am respectfull to those who are of a different opinion.It may be something just people need really be wise., people can talk about me, it'" a no brainer for me". I do not feel to jump into being a member of any church.God knows my heart.

I had forgotten I ever asked this question. It was rather a long time ago.

I haven't been an 'official' member of any church for many years. If I move house and have to move church I am loyal to the new one just as I was to the old but do not take membership. It means I cannot have a say on certain issues but it also means that I have not 'signed up' for some small thing that I don't agree with. I don't know of any denomination where I would agree with absolutely everything - to the letter - shown on their Statement of Faith.

Some churches prominently display a statement of faith. Another one I attended refused to allow me to see a copy saying that it 'wasn't important'!!!

Hello,denominations are not always biblically correct, more like political( it was not so in Jesus' time) alot goes on not in the word of God.examples..fashion shows, dinners, yatta yatta..escurtions, trips, lots of "worldly stuff"Jesus never wanted..It' ok for those who want it, since many years now I do not believe you have to be a member.

( some)denominations secret clauses in their charters/membership packagehidden things that they support and itwill "curl" your hair and hurt your spirit ( your feelings if you just knew)there are denominations which actually secretly pay for/support abortions.This I found out years ago, I quit being a member of any denominationElena9555.

Harold, the other blog was closed, however, I would like to comment and ask a question. Satan, himself, was never ranked a cherubim. Cherubim(s) is plural for cherub. He may have been referred to as a cherub, but I still cannot find it. The Greek word for cherub is ker-oob' and it's derivation is uncertain. Archangel is from ar-khang'-el-os meaning a messenger first in rank. I think Satan fit that bill at one time.

Actually, the only place I can find archangel is with Michael in Jude. Gabriel is considered an archangel, but he was never called an archangel as far as I know.

The churches are not the way Jesus had his Disciples/Apostle establish them. They are not actually supposed to be in houses were the members would gather as an assembly.

Do to word restriction I cannot explain it but her is one verse. the KJV has it different but what Jesus meant was to stay there until they left and that would be they assembly and they would be doing this in other houses.

(Matt 10:11 [NET])Whenever you enter a town or village, find out who is worthy there and stay with them until you leave.

It is really shocking to see the lack of Biblical understanding and self-centeredness in most of these responses. Church membership is not about you or what you think, it is about discipleship. . God saves you to become part of a family. You are a member of the body of Christ spiritually, which is expressed in your membership in a visible church.

Many people want live a life of no accountability, come and go as they like. It is simply lack of spiritual growth and an expression of "me-centered" Christianity.

You can have local church members who are not part of the spirtual body of Christ, but you cannot really have sincere spiritual members of the body of Christ who are not part of the visible body.

1) I love what Pastor Bob from a church I attended in Ft. Lauderdale (a church of 15,000 people) said to new-believers when they got saved...he said..."we do not have "church" membership here, when you accepted the Lord, you became a "member" of the BODY of Christ, and the body of Christ IS the Church. The church is not a building. Anywhere you go, you are still a member of God's church." He would then go on to tell them...

2) ..."I don't care if you decide to come to our church here or somewhere else, just make sure you get yourself planted into a church that will give you good, solid bible teaching." I totally agree with him...I do not believe in being a card holding "member" of a building. I am a member of the body of Christ, no matter where I go. There should not be any "perks" with membership to a church.

3) Jesus showed no favoritism (He even frowned on it) and neither should we or any church organization. God has moved me 2 times already (each time out of state) and I love that no matter where I go, I am still a "member" of the body of Christ and I can walk into any group of believers and know that my family is there waiting for me.

4) Churches usually want card-holding membership so they can keep count of their numbers. Numbers are the means by which they measure their success. This is a very wordly way of thinking. True success is measured by how many people are being healed, set-free, transformed and obedient to Christ. My Pastor in NC used to say..."I'd rather have 10 "on-fire" Christians who walk in integrity, godliness and their true authority in Christ in my church than 300 luke warm ones. Jesus would agree.

Melissa: We all know membership in a church without being saved won't get you into heaven. At least I hope we all agree on that point,anyway. The bible says to stop haggling over these old and worn out points. We all know we need a Savior and that Savior is Jesus. We must be "born again"There is no other way. These are basic tenets of Christianity we should know from the very beginning of our walk with Christ. We should know them like we know our names. If not--we need to start over.

Regardless of the posts here: the agreement is...........WE need a church home. Our excuses will not cut it with God. We can debate and debate but it still boils down to the will of God. His Will is....join a church. The church was established by God and no devil in hell is ever going to stop the work of God or do away with the church.The gates of hell shall not prevail against it(the church)

Church membership has its benefits. We can serve in our church in many ministries,if we so choose. Our pastor is available to do weddings,funerals,counseling if need be. Our children has a solid base for their church home and a place for their possible, families. We have a place to go and worship with others, to be refreshed in our spirits, receive good teaching and preaching. To be with other believers.We give and receive love at church. It is the will of God(obedience).

It is not neededBut on the other hand. It's nice for the church to have an idea how many people are constantly coming to church. Also It's a good way for them to send info out and get news out about what's going on. Mainly they like to send the envelopes for offerings.

I truly believe that the requirement of church membership is a false doctrine. I have attended one business meeting at my church and if you were saved, you got to vote. Being born again makes you a member of God's family - that is all that is necessary, not the approval of man! I would go so far as to say that becoming a "member" of a certain church could make a Christian become complacent. Don't count on being a "member" of an earthly church getting you into Heaven!

If you are not born-again it is better not to join. If you are truly God's person born-again it is better that when the preachers calls for join upers to check with the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Take it from me, God may have other plans for you. And please do not allow Satan through people or directly, make you feel guilty. You stay in your seat. Until you know it is God calling you to join up.

Jesus is coming back for a church without a spot or wrinkle. Join a good bible teaching church whether you like or not. Get in line with the Word of God. Obedience is better than sacrifice. You don't have to agree with everything the pastor says. Just be obedient to God---that's the main thing.Man cannot put you into Heaven or hell. I don't agree with all of the teachings at my church. So what? I love my church and I am going to make the best of it....for now.

True, however don't "knock" church membership either. When I came back to the Lord as an adult 22 years ago, I not only gave my heart to Him, but I joined the church where I heard the message that He used to draw me back to Him. I was an active member there for 10 years and the great consistent example set by the pastor and the Bible teachings,etc. is still a benefit to my Christian walk.

If you do not agree with what a church doctrine states, I think it would be a bad idea to join that church. There is no reason why you need to join a church to attend anyway unless you want to be a church leader.

You don't need to become a member of a specific church to be saved. You go to encourage one another and be encouraged by others. You go to be taught the Word of God by someone who knows the Word. You go to Celebrate the Lord like the early Jewish believers did. When we all worship the Lord together, something powerful happens in that moment. There is power in corporate prayer and worship. Your salvation doesn't depend on it but your maturity as a Christian does.

Whether or not one has to officially join a specific church body of believers is not specifically clear in the Bible. What is clear is that we aren't to "forsake the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is", per Hebrews Chapter 10, verse 25. Staying at home playing the "lone ranger" is obviously unhealthy. Being in one place on one accord brings unity which Christ prayed for in John Chapter 17. Specific churches were addressed in the epistles.

Many churches judge their success on growth in membership, church building fund, or some other non-important gage. One church I know of is having a fish fry every week this is an "evangelistic fish fry". No don't get the wrong idea, only their church members come to these fish fries, still this is called an evangelistic event!!! That is just simply crazy! --- Rebecca D. has the right idea about being in a book.

Church Membership is not needed (as far as salvation is concerned), but some Churches does have membership.

For example, in Pentecostal Church of God, to which I am member to, a person [s] who will like to be a official member will be ask to come to the altar on Sunday. The Pastor will read the Church's Statement of Faith. The person [s] must agree to the doctrines of the church. The Pastor will then ask if they will give tithes and uphold the Church's discipline (etc). They get a member card later

#2 Of course, it is not require for you to become a member, but if you do agree with all of the Church's doctrines, then I see no reason why you should not become a member.

If you disagree with one of the teaching of the Church, why become a member of that Church? By becoming a member you are saying that you agree with the Church's doctrines (etc). For this reason, some churches does not allow one to become a member if he/she does not uphold to all of the Church's teachings.

During the first 10 years of our church we had membership. It caused a lot of fighting and separations. We had to make a lot of rules as to which people would or would not be accepted and under what circumstances we would use discipline. Whether they had to be baptized or not or if they drank or smoked etc. There was always discord. Now for the last 10 years we are free from that but we don't have the level of commitment we used to. People come and go as they please without accountability to eachother.

Many Baptist churches do this. A vote is taken before you can join.Exp., you don't want to join the Baptist church because they don't believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but you like all of the preacher's messages and everything else. Or something similar. If there are only three churches in town, and you don't believe in the other two, you're in a tough spot. If you don't want to become an official member and they allow you to visit every week, that would be up to you.

To me it is nonsense. You shouldn't have to sign a book just to become a member. If your a member and somewhere down the line if you decide to go to a different church you couldn't because you can't belong to two churches at the same time. Why worry if your name is on a church membership book? The only thing I want my name to be on is the Lamb's book of life.

If you believe the biblical scriptures taught at the church that should be all that matters,no one is going to agree 100% all the time with churches, but it is more important to attend a long time before commiting to a church ,this is from personal experiance.